Checking Out The Docks
Even though black bears are common in Garrett County, seeing one going about its business is almost always a thrill. This particular bear was spotted by, and photographed by, Pete Versteegen one morning a few weeks ago. The bear climbed a wild cherry tree, Versteegen reported, and munched on the cherries for about 15 minutes, then climbed down, but kept eating the cherries by bending the branches to his (or her) mouth. The bear was sporting two tags, one in each ear, so someone from the Department of Natural Resources had already met him. Versteegen said the bear wandered along the dock awhile, as if trying to decide whether or not to go for a swim. Apparently he decided against that and went on his way. The dock is on the Versteegen property in the Lake Pointe at Wisp development. All residents are cautioned, as always, to keep a safe distance away from the wild animals when watching them outside. Black bear attacks of humans are rare but not unheard of, so all are urged to be wary.
An Amazing Maze
Autumn must be upon the mountaintop, because it is time again for folks to find their way through the Accident Corn Maze, located just north of Northern Garrett High School. The maze is open now, and will remain in operation through Nov. 3. The hours are Fridays from noon until 10 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 to 6 p.m. Guests may also make appointments for weekday visits. This year’s “drawing” salutes the efforts of Warm the Children, a program of The Republicannewspaper and the GFWC Civic Club of Oakland that annually provides new, warm clothing and footwear to hundreds of local children in need. Upon close observation, readers may see that design includes mittens, a hat and scarf, a cup of hot chocolate, and a snowflake. A portion of the maze proceeds this year will go to Warm the Children, as announced by creators and operators Bob and Alice Bender. The entry fee is $8 for those age 11 and older; $4 for ages 3-10, and free for those 2 and younger. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more, and for school groups. Hayrides are also available for $2 per person. “The corn maze is a fun and educational adventure for families, churches, and school students,” a spokesperson said. “The maze is formed on more than 10 acres of property. We also have a playground, duck races, and pedal tractor races.” There are pavilions available for reservations, and guests may also tour the working dairy farm and feed the calves. Persons may contact the farm at 301-616-6111 to schedule a visit.
ICF Flag Presented To Deep Creek 2014 In Prague
Deep Creek 2014 formally took charge of the International Canoe Federation’s 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships earlier this week by accepting the ICF flag at the closing ceremonies of this year’s World Championships, held in Prague, Czech Republic. Accepting on behalf of Deep Creek 2014, the state of Maryland, and the people of Garrett County were Joe Jacobi, CEO of USA Canoe Kayak, and Todd Copley, executive director of Deep Creek 2014. The flag will remain in Maryland through the completion of the 2014 World Championships, scheduled for September 16-21, 2014, in McHenry. This will be the first time the Canoe Slalom World Championships will return to the U.S. in 25 years, having first been held in 1989 on the Savage River, also in Garrett County. Pictured from left are Jacobi, Joao Tomasini, 3rd vice president and executive committee member of the ICF, and Copley.
Center Of Adventure, Experiential Learning Established At Garrett College
Garrett College has historically pursued a course of connecting with the adventure industry, and the administration has long recognized the need for the development of additional programming in the college’s academic plan. To meet this need and to expand educational opportunities, the Center for Adventure and Experiential Learning (CAEL) at the college has been established and will operate under the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division.
College president Dr. Richard MacLennan, who says he is committed to moving this program from concept to reality, remains actively involved as an advisor in the development of CAEL, and said he sees it as a logical step for the college in the spirit of the Garrett College Aventuresports Institute (ASI) and the heritage of Garrett County.
“CAEL has developed into a strong component of the college’s strategic plan,” he said. “Through it we will provide educational opportunities to enhance the long history of outdoor adventure recreation in this region. We are moving along a continuum of creating the programs of study that embrace our area’s greatest assets of wildlife, forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes, as well as rugged venues for outdoors adventure experiences.”
Recently named to the post of program director for CAEL, Michael White has been working with a group of advisors to build the foundations upon which the program will grow. The vision for CAEL was the creation of a program at Garrett College that will become the portal to custom-designed education, training, and recreational experiences in Garrett County, and the surrounding region, he explained.
“The stated mission of the CAEL program is to provide high-quality, adventure-based programing to individuals and organizations with an educational and personal development focus,” White said. “In order to accomplish this undertaking, CAEL will coordinate efforts in the region to utilize the expertise of ASI trained students and other local partners. Using members of the local workforce to implement the educational programs builds an economic development component into CAEL.”
While developing the concepts that would enhance the educational opportunities in the adventure industry, Dr. MacLennan also saw that CAEL would positively impact workforce development and thereby contribute to economic growth in the area. He discussed the perceived benefits with former Garrett County Economic Development director Jim Hinebaugh.
Hinebaugh agreed that the CAEL program being developed has potential to provide a beneficial economic stimulus, which would dovetail well with Garrett County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, a plan that acknowledged the need for such growth. This discussion helped to create the connection for the development of the blueprint that would become part of the county plan.
DNR Service Center in Cumberland to Relocate to Rocky Gap
by kking
Just under eight miles east on Route 68 from the current location, the Rocky Gap location provides plenty of convenient parking and easier access for the physically challenged. In using a DNR facility, there will also be a substantial savings in operating costs.
The Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except State holidays.
Garrett County secures $235,000 grant to increase use of digital technology
For the Cumberland Times-NewsCumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Gov. Martin O’Malley announced $5.5 million in grants to local boards of education recently, including $235,000 for Garrett County for the Digital Learning Innovation Award.
The funding is designed to increase the use of digital technology in education and to help students earn college credits and career certification while in high school.
“The purpose of the grant is to support the Telepresence project to provide the ability for students, teachers and professionals throughout Garrett County Public Schools and the world to synergize without the restraints of location or walls,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery at a news conference outside the Statehouse in Annapolis.
O’Malley and Lowery announced six grant winners under the Early College Innovation Fund and seven under the Digital Learning Innovation Fund.
Other school districts awarded were the SEED School of Maryland and Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Kent and Washington counties.
The Garrett County proposal will take advantage of the county’s new fiber connectivity between the schools and to the Internet.
“The grant will also provide for student computers at elementary schools still using older computer labs,” said Chuck Trautwein, Garrett’s computer resource teacher. “This technology will enable increased collaboration and sharing of resources between Garrett County schools.”
Ecotourism Resort in Maryland Selects Tulikivi Fireplaces
McHenry, MD (PRWEB) September 25, 2013
Tulikivi announced that it has been selected as a sustainable heat source for Blue Moon Rising (BMR), Garrett County, Maryland’s own green ecotourism community. This 14-acre site overlooks Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest inland body of water. BMR currently consists of eight rental cabins, called “waldens,” a learning center and a community building, all serving the community and as a vacation retreat.
In 2008, BMR founder Lisa M. Jan had a vision to integrate vacation rental properties with sustainable educational services. Jan was interested in a new way of thinking about development that fostered an understanding for the natural environment—a built environment that preserves the existing natural elements, she explained.
Jan’s mission is to “create a community that harnesses the incredible power of Mother Nature while leaving as little impact on the landscape as possible.” Her vision is “to demonstrate that humans can live lightly on the earth, without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.”
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1487807#ixzz2g0wxv2Bt
Garrett commission sets two meetings
OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners will take action on a number of financial issues relative to the public school system at a public meeting Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. at the commissioners office in the courthouse.
The commission will authorize and designate fiscal 2013 carryover funds and the appropriation level of county funding for fiscal 2015.
The commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled public meeting Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse.
The Board of County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
September 24, 2013
Certain sessions of the meeting may be conducted in Executive Session
Agenda Session Times except Public Hearings are Approximate
3:00 Administrative Session
4:00 Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
4:02 County Administrator – Additions/Deletions and Approval of Public Meeting Agenda
4:03 Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes
4:04 Update on Boards, Committee, and Commission Meetings Attended
4:05 Proclamations: “Economic Development Week”
“Workforce Development Professionals Month”
4:10 Board of County Commissioners Statement– Denial for Participation in Maryland Counties Movement to Secede for the State of Maryland
4:15 Garrett County Purchasing Department
RFP Awards:
·Architectural/Engineering Services – Deep Creek 2014 Capital Improvements
·Declaration of Surplus County Equipment
4:20 Board of County Commissioners Boards, Commissions, and Appointment Schedule
4:30 Executive Session – Economic Development
5:00 PUBLIC HEARING: Amendment – Deep Creek Watershed Zoning Ordinance
Request to amend Section 157.024 (c) 23 to add a new category of use for “boat rental including boat rides and/or boat tours a separate service business and not offering any other services associated with a marina” and other advertised relevant sections
5:45 Public Commentary
6:00 Adjournment of Public Session
Public Issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public meeting should be scheduled with Carol Riley-Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will hold their next Public Meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 beginning at 9:00 A.M.
